Considering the ministry
March 20, 2009 10:07 AM Subscribe
Does anyone have any illuminating thoughts and/or experience regarding divinity school and the Unitarian Universalist ministry? I have been considering this path for some time and I am wondering if anyone else has explored this.
I haven't explored this myself, but I grew up as a UU. I stopped attending, but I do know a couple UU ministers. If you want to talk to one of them I can see if I can get you in touch with one.
For general questions on becoming a minister, this FAQ has information. The UUA has information on becoming a minister and they list theological schools.
My understanding is that becoming a UU minister is not as simple as it is in other faiths. As a UU minister you're expected to have significant competence with world religions and in UU history and point of view. Going to a UU church helps, but is not required.
Hope this helps; I'll keep an eye on this thread to see if you have more specific questions.
posted by caphector at 2:21 PM on March 20, 2009
For general questions on becoming a minister, this FAQ has information. The UUA has information on becoming a minister and they list theological schools.
My understanding is that becoming a UU minister is not as simple as it is in other faiths. As a UU minister you're expected to have significant competence with world religions and in UU history and point of view. Going to a UU church helps, but is not required.
Hope this helps; I'll keep an eye on this thread to see if you have more specific questions.
posted by caphector at 2:21 PM on March 20, 2009
I'm actually a first year UU Master of Divinity (MDiv) student at Harvard Divinity School right now. Technically I'm on track for UU ministry, but like so many people here the process of discernment is ongoing and subject to constant change.
There are a few very important things to remember: in the UU tradition it is CONGREGATIONS that ordain ministers, but in order to be in Ministerial Fellowship in the UUA (or put another way, in order to join the UU minister's union) you have to go through a several years long process of interviews, paperwork, psych and career evaluations, and internships.
I am more than happy to address any of your questions at length.
posted by aheartfarmer at 3:05 PM on March 20, 2009
There are a few very important things to remember: in the UU tradition it is CONGREGATIONS that ordain ministers, but in order to be in Ministerial Fellowship in the UUA (or put another way, in order to join the UU minister's union) you have to go through a several years long process of interviews, paperwork, psych and career evaluations, and internships.
I am more than happy to address any of your questions at length.
posted by aheartfarmer at 3:05 PM on March 20, 2009
This thread is closed to new comments.
Is your question specifically about being a UU minister, or are you just curious about UU culture in general? I think you have to let us know what YOUR experience has been in order to help us answer the question.
posted by lblair at 11:15 AM on March 20, 2009